U.S. patent application number 12/612495 was filed with the patent office on 2010-05-13 for adjustable cleaning brush.
Invention is credited to Patrick Malloy.
Application Number | 20100115722 12/612495 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42163859 |
Filed Date | 2010-05-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100115722 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Malloy; Patrick |
May 13, 2010 |
ADJUSTABLE CLEANING BRUSH
Abstract
One embodiment of an adjustable cleaning brush may include a
handle and a head carried by an end portion of the handle. The head
may include a base having a first surface, a second surface
opposite to the first surface, and a neck pivotally interconnecting
the head and the handle. The neck may be carried by the end portion
of handle. The head may further include a plurality of bristles
carried by the first surface of the base and a sponge member
carried by the second surface of the base. The head may be movable
to a plurality of angular positions with respect to the handle to
permit the plurality of bristles and the sponge member to be
adjusted for cleaning a surface.
Inventors: |
Malloy; Patrick; (Cookstown,
NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
L.C. BEGIN & ASSOCIATES, PLLC
510 HIGHLAND AVENUE, PMB 403
MILFORD
MI
48381
US
|
Family ID: |
42163859 |
Appl. No.: |
12/612495 |
Filed: |
November 4, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61113885 |
Nov 12, 2008 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/114 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A46B 5/0079 20130101;
A46B 5/0054 20130101; A46B 5/0016 20130101; A46B 5/0075
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/114 |
International
Class: |
A47L 13/42 20060101
A47L013/42 |
Claims
1. An adjustable cleaning brush comprising: a handle having a first
end portion and a second end portion opposite to the first end
portion; and a head carried by the first end portion of the handle,
the head comprising a base having a first surface, a second surface
opposite to the first surface, and a neck pivotally interconnecting
the head and the handle, a plurality of bristles carried by the
first surface of the base, and a sponge member carried by the
second surface of the base, wherein the head is movable to a
plurality of angular positions with respect to the handle to permit
the plurality of bristles and the sponge member to be adjusted for
cleaning a surface.
2. The adjustable cleaning brush of claim 1, wherein the neck
comprises at least one malleable wire and a sleeve surrounding the
wire.
3. The adjustable cleaning brush of claim 2, wherein the neck
comprises at least a portion threadably carried by the first end
portion of the handle for allowing the head to be rotated to adjust
a length of the adjustable cleaning brush.
4. The adjustable cleaning brush of claim 1, wherein the handle
comprises a pair of grip members carried by the first end portion
and the second end portion of the handle.
5. The adjustable cleaning brush of claim 1 further comprising a
scrubbing member carried by the second end portion of the
handle.
6. An adjustable cleaning brush comprising: a handle having a first
portion and a second portion slidably carried by the first portion
to adjust a length of the handle; and a head carried by the second
portion of the handle, the head comprising a base having a first
surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and neck
pivotally interconnecting the head and the second portion of the
handle, a plurality of bristles carried by the first surface of the
base, and a sponge member carried by the second surface of the
base, wherein the head is movable to a plurality of angular
positions with respect to the handle to permit the plurality of
bristles and the sponge member to be adjusted for cleaning a
surface.
7. The adjustable cleaning brush of claim 6 further comprising a
locking mechanism carried by the handle, the locking mechanism
adapted to hold the first portion and second portion in fixed
positions with respect to each other to permit the handle to be
retain at an adjusted length.
8. The adjustable cleaning brush of claim 7, wherein the locking
mechanism comprises a plurality of holes carried by the first
portion of the handle, and a spring-loaded protrusion carried by
the second portion of the handle.
9. The adjustable cleaning brush of claim 7, wherein the locking
mechanism comprise: a threaded portion carried by the first portion
of the handle; a sleeve member threadably associated to the
threaded portion; and a resilient member carried by the second
portion of the handle and received between the sleeve member and
the threaded portion of the first portion.
10. The adjustable cleaning brush of claim 9, wherein the resilient
member is a ring having a slot.
11. The adjustable cleaning brush of claim 6 further comprising a
scrubbing member carried by the first portion of the handle.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/113,885 filed on Nov. 12, 2008, the disclosure
of which is incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to cleaning
brushes, and more particularly, to an adjustable cleaning brush
which may be angularly adjusted for cleaning a surface.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0003] Bath brushes may be used for cleaning body parts that are
difficult to reach and clean by hand. For example, the individual
may use a bath brush for cleaning his or her back. Typically, the
brush may include a handle having an end portion and a plurality of
bristles carried by the end portion. The bristles may be held in a
fixed position with respect to the handle and therefore may not
permit the individual to thoroughly clean his or her back. In
addition, the individual may be an elderly or handicapped person
having back problems and may therefore experience pain or
discomfort while bending or twisting his body while bathing.
Accordingly, the individual may require the assistance of another
person for thoroughly cleaning his back.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0004] One embodiment of an adjustable cleaning brush may include a
handle having a first end portion and a second end portion opposite
to the first end portion. The adjustable cleaning brush may also
have a head carried by the first end portion. The head may include
a base having a first surface, a second surface opposite to the
first surface, and a neck pivotally interconnecting the head and
the handle. The head may also include a plurality of bristles
carried by the first surface of the base. The head may further
include a sponge member carried by the second surface of the base.
The head may be movable to a plurality of angular positions with
respect to the handle to permit the plurality of bristles and the
sponge member to be adjusted for cleaning a surface.
[0005] Another embodiment of an adjustable cleaning brush may
include a handle having a first portion and a second portion
slidably carried by the first portion to permit adjusting the
length of the handle. The adjustable cleaning brush may also have a
head that may be carried by the second portion of the handle. The
head may include a base having a first surface, a second surface
opposite to the first surface, and a neck pivotally interconnecting
the head and the second portion of the handle. The head may also
include a plurality of bristles carried by the first surface of the
base. The head may further include a sponge member carried by the
second surface of the base. The head may be movable to a plurality
of angular positions with respect to the handle to permit the
plurality of bristles and the sponge member to be adjusted for
cleaning a surface.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The advantages and features of the present disclosure will
become better understood with reference to the following detailed
description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawing, in which:
[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an
adjustable cleaning brush;
[0008] FIGS. 2 and 3 are perspective views of the adjustable
cleaning brush of FIG. 1 attaining different angular positions;
[0009] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an
adjustable cleaning brush;
[0010] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of an
adjustable cleaning brush;
[0011] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of
an adjustable cleaning brush;
[0012] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a locking
mechanism of the adjustable cleaning brush of FIG. 6;
[0013] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of locking mechanism of the
FIG. 7 in a unlocked position;
[0014] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of locking mechanism of the
FIG. 7 in a locked position; and
[0015] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of
an adjustable cleaning brush.
[0016] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the
description of several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0017] The present disclosure may provide an adjustable cleaning
brush. The adjustable cleaning brush may enable in thoroughly
cleaning or scrubbing an individual's entire body. More
specifically, the adjustable cleaning brush may be adjusted
angularly and lengthwise for reaching and cleaning the individual's
body parts which may not be reached and cleaned by the individual's
hand. Further, the adjustable cleaning brush may limit twisting and
bending by an individual while cleaning his or her back.
[0018] Referring to FIG. 1, one embodiment of an adjustable
cleaning brush 10 ("brush") may include a handle 100. The handle
100 may be an elongated cylindrical structure that may be made of a
light weight material, such as aluminum or plastic. However, the
handle 100 may instead have other shapes, such as an elongated
polygonal structure or an elongated oval structure. Of course, the
handle may be made of other suitable materials.
[0019] The handle 100 may include a first end portion 102 and a
second end portion 104 opposite to the first end portion 102. The
handle 100 may further include a pair of grip members 106, 108 that
may be carried by a respective one of the first and second end
portions 102, 104 of the handle 100. The grip members 106,108 may
permit an individual to firmly hold the handle 100. The grip
members 106, 108 may be compressible foam to cushion a user's hand
while holding the brush. Of course, the grip members 106, 108 may
instead be a rigid textured surface or have various other shapes
made of any suitable material.
[0020] The brush 10 may further include a head 200 that may be
carried by the first end portion 102 of the handle 100. The head
200 may include a base 202 that may have a rectangular pan-shaped
structure. Of course, the base 202 may have other structures, such
as an oval pan-shaped structure or a polygonal pan-shaped
structure. The base 202 may include a first surface 204, a second
surface 206 opposite to the first surface 204, and a neck 208 that
may pivotally interconnect the head 200 and the handle 100. The
neck 208 in one form may be made of one or more malleable wires 210
(shown with hidden lines). For example, the wires 210 may be copper
wires having a one quarter inch diameter. Of course, the wires 210
may be made of other suitable materials having greater or less than
one quarter inch diameters. The neck 208 may also have a sleeve 212
that may surround the wires 210. Further, the sleeve 212 may be
made of waterproof material, such as plastic or rubber. Of course,
the neck 208 may instead include a ball-and-socket joint or other
pivoting fasteners, and be made of other flexible materials, such
as soft rubber.
[0021] The neck 208 may permit adjustment of the head 200 to a
plurality of angular positions with respect to the handle 100, and
hold the head in any one of those positions. Furthermore, at least
a portion 214 of the neck 208 may be threadably carried by the
first end portion 102 of the handle 100. The threadable coupling of
the portion 214 and the first end portion 102 may permit an
individual to adjust the length of the brush 10. For example, an
individual may hold the grip member 106 by one hand and thereafter
may rotate the head 200 by another hand for threadbly moving the
head 200 with respect to the handle 100 and thereby adjusting the
length of the brush 10. Of course, the individual may rotate the
head 200 to an extent which allows the head 200 to remain carried
by the handle 100.
[0022] The head 200 may further include a plurality of bristles 216
carried by the first surface 204 of the base 202. The bristles 216
may be removably carried by the first surface 204. Accordingly, the
bristles 216 may be stored in a dry location to limit or prevent
growth of mildew and accumulation of soap scum on the bristles 216.
The bristles 216 may be made of a soft plastic material which may
remove dead skin from an individual's body and also clean the
individual's face. Of course, the bristles 216 may be made of any
suitable material and may be fixedly carried by any portion of the
brush.
[0023] The head 200 may also include a sponge member 218 carried by
the second surface 206 of the base 202. The sponge member 218 may
be removably carried by the second surface 206. Accordingly, the
sponge member 218 may be stored in a dry location to limit or
prevent growth of mildew and deposits of soap scum from
accumulating on the sponge member 218. Further, the sponge member
218 may be made of a soft plastic material which may permit
cleaning somewhat fragile body parts of the individual. Of course,
the sponge member 218 may instead be fixedly carried by any portion
of the brush 10.
[0024] In use, the head 200 of the brush 10 may be angularly moved
with respect to the handle 100. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2
and 3, the head 200 may be moved 90 degrees toward the left or the
right about the neck 208. Further, the head 200 may be moved 90
degrees backward or forward about the neck 208. Accordingly, the
plurality of bristles 218 and the sponge member 216 of the brush 10
may be angularly adjusted for cleaning a surface.
[0025] Referring now to FIG. 4, another embodiment of an adjustable
cleaning brush 20 ("brush") having a handle 300 and a head 500 may
be similar to the brush 10 of FIG. 1 having the handle 100 and the
head 200, respectively. However, the brush 20 may further have a
scrubbing member 400 that may include a rod 402 carried by an end
portion 302 of the handle 300 opposite to the head 500. The
scrubbing member 400 may be removably carried by the end portion
302 of the handle 300. Of course, the scrubbing member 400 may be
integral to the end portion 302 of the handle 300.
[0026] The scrubbing member 400 may further include a plurality of
scrubbing bristles 404 carried by the rod 402. The scrubbing
bristles 404 in this form may be arranged in a looped
configuration. Of course, the bristles 404 may be configured to
have a non-looped structure, such as elongated cylindrical
structure. The looped structure of the scrubbing bristles 404 may
permit the brush 20 to be hung on a support structure, such as
hook. The bristles 404 may be made of nylon or other suitable
materials. Accordingly, the scrubbing member 400 may be used for
scrubbing body parts of an individual to, for example, dead skin
from an ankle or the bottom of a foot. Moreover, the scrubbing
member 400 may be used for cleaning areas in between the toes of
the individual.
[0027] Referring now to FIG. 5, another embodiment of an adjustable
cleaning brush 30 ("brush") having a head 3200 may be similar to
the brush 10 of FIG. 1 having the head 200. However, the brush 30
may have a handle 3100 that may include a first portion 3110 and a
second portion 3120 slidably carried by the first portion 3110. For
example, the second portion 3120 may be telescopically received
within the first portion 3110. Further, the slidable movement of
the second portion 3120 with respect to the first portion 3110 may
permit adjustment of the length of the handle 3100.
[0028] The brush 30 may further include a fastener or a locking
mechanism 3130 which may be adapted to lock the second portion 3120
and the first portion 3110 in fixed positions with respect to each
other. The locking mechanism 3130 may be carried by the handle
3100. For example, the locking mechanism 3130 may include a
plurality of holes 3132 formed in the first portion 3110 of the
handle 3100. Further, the locking mechanism 3130 may also include a
spring-loaded protrusion 3134 which may be carried by the second
portion 3120 of the handle 3100. The spring-loaded protrusion 3134
may be received by one of the holes 3132 thereby retaining the
first and second portions 3110, 3120 in fixed positions with
respect to each other. Further, by pressing the spring-loaded
protrusion 3134, the second portion 3120 may again move with
respect to the first portion 3110, such that the spring-loaded
protrusion 3134 may be received within another hole 3132.
Accordingly, the handle 3100 may be adjusted lengthwise and
retained in its adjusted length.
[0029] Referring now to FIGS. 6-9, still another embodiment of an
adjustable cleaning brush 40 ("brush") having a head 4200 may be
similar to the brush 10 of FIG. 1 having the head 200. The handle
4100 may include a first portion 4110 and a second portion 4120
that may be slidably carried by the first portion 4110 by, for
example, telescopically interconnecting the first and second
portions 4110, 4120. Further, the second portion 4120 may be moved
with respect to the first portion 4110 to permit adjustment of the
length of the handle 4100.
[0030] As best shown in FIGS. 7-9, the brush 40 may further include
a locking mechanism 4130. The locking mechanism 4130 may be adapted
to hold the first and second portions 4110, 4120 in fixed positions
with respect to each other. The locking mechanism 4130 may be
carried by the handle 4100 and have a configuration known in the
art for use with telescopically fitted extension poles. One example
of a locking mechanism may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,086,718,
which is incorporated herein by reference. In particular, the
locking mechanism 4130 may include a threaded portion 4112 formed
on the first portion 4110 of the handle 4100. The locking mechanism
4130 may also include a sleeve member 4140 threadably associated
with the threaded portion 4112. Specifically, the sleeve member
4140 may include a complementary threaded portion 4142 which may be
threadably associated with the threaded portion 4112. The sleeve
member 4140 may have an un-threaded portion 4144 extending from the
complementary threaded portion 4142. The un-threaded portion 4144
in this form may include a tapered portion 4146 extending from the
complementary threaded portion 4142.
[0031] The locking mechanism 4130 may further include a resilient
member 4150 which in this form may be a ring carried by the second
portion 4120 of the handle 4100. During assembly, the resilient
member 4150 may carried by the tapered portion 4146 of the sleeve
member 4140. Thereafter, the second portion 4120 may be inserted
into the first portion 4110, and received through the resilient
member 4150 for allowing the resilient member 4150 to surround at
least a portion of the second portion. The resilient member 4150
the sleeve member 4140 may include a slot 4152 along a length
thereof. Then, the threaded portion 4142 of the sleeve member 4140
may be coupled to the threaded portion 4112 formed on the handle
4100.
[0032] In use, the individual may move the handle to a desired a
length by moving the first and second portions to desired positions
with respect to each other.
[0033] Thereafter, the sleeve member 4140 may be rotated clockwise,
such that the tapered portion 4146 and the first portion 4110 may
press the resilient member 4150 radially inward against the second
portion 4120 thereby gripping the second portion 4120. In addition,
the sleeve member 4140 may be rotated counterclockwise, such that
the tapered portion and the first portion may permit the resilient
member to return to its original position radially outward thereby
releasing the first and second positions from their fixed positions
for re-adjusting the length of the handle.
[0034] Referring now to FIG. 10, still another embodiment of an
adjustable cleaning brush 50 ("brush") having a handle 5100 and a
head 5200 may be similar to brush of FIG. 5 having the handle 3100
and the head 3200, respectively.
[0035] However, the brush 50 may further include a scrubbing member
5300 carried by the first portion of 5110 of the handle 5100.
Further, the structural configuration and function of the scrubbing
member 5300 may be similar to the scrubbing member 400 of the brush
20, which is explained in conjunction with FIG. 4. Additionally,
the brush 40, explained in conjunction with FIGS. 6 to 9, may also
include a scrubbing member (not shown).
[0036] Based on the foregoing description of the present
disclosure, an adjustable cleaning brush, such as the brushes
10-50, may be angularly and lengthwise adjusted for reaching and
cleaning the individual's body part which may not be reached and
cleaned by the individual's hand. Further, the adjustable cleaning
brush of the present disclosure may enable in thoroughly cleaning
an entire body of an individual with minimum physical effort.
Specifically, the brush may be a light weighted cleaning brush
which may be easy to handle for cleaning the individual's body
part. Moreover, the angular adjustment of the brush may enable in
avoiding the individual from twisting and bending the body parts,
particularly the individual's back, while taking shower for
cleaning the body parts. Therefore, the brush of the present
disclosure may be suitably used by individuals suffering from back
problems, elderly people, and handicapped individual. Apart from
cleaning the body parts the brush of the present disclosure may be
used for cleaning other articles, such as tires of a vehicle.
Particularly, a scrubbing member, such as the scrubbing member 400,
of the brush may be used for cleaning the tires.
[0037] The exemplary embodiments described herein detail for
illustrative purposes are subject to many variations in structure
and design. It should be emphasized, however, that the present
disclosure is not limited to an adjustable cleaning brush as shown
and described. It is understood that various omissions and
substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may
suggest or render expedient, but these are intended to cover the
application or implementation without departing from the spirit or
scope of the claims of the present disclosure. Also, it is to be
understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for
the purpose of description and should not be regarded as
limiting.
[0038] The terms, "first," "second," and the like, herein do not
denote any order, elevation or importance, but rather are used to
distinguish one element with another. Further, the terms, "a" and
"an" herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather
denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.
[0039] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the
present disclosure have been presented for purposes of illustration
and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit
the present disclosure to the precise forms disclosed, and
obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light
of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in
order to best explain the principles of the present disclosure and
its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the
art to best utilize the present disclosure and various embodiments
with various modifications as are suited to the particular use
contemplated. It is understood that various omission and
substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may
suggest or render expedient, but such are intended to cover the
application or implementation without departing from the spirit or
scope of the claims of the present disclosure.
* * * * *